This seminar is part of the REthink Energy lecture series, which is co-organised by the IIEA and ESB. On this occasion, a distinguished panel, will reflect on the outcome of COP26. In this conversation-style seminar, chaired by Alex White SC, chair of the IIEA Energy Group, the speakers examine some of the major developments agreed in the Glasgow Climate Pact and also discuss the significance of the sectoral coalitions formed during COP26, such as the ‘Beyond Coal and Gas Alliance’ and the Global Methane Pledge. The panellists provide a range of perspectives and discuss the impact of COP26 on Ireland’s climate priorities, on the EU’s Green Deal agenda, and on the international community, in particular, on least developed countries.

About the Speakers:

Professor Morgan Bazilian is the Director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy and Professor at the Colorado School of Mines. Previously, he was Lead Energy Specialist at the World Bank. His work has been published in Science, Nature, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Previously Professor Bazilian was a senior diplomat at the United Nations. He has served as the EU’s lead negotiator on technology at previous UN climate negotiations. Professor Bazilian is also a member of Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council.

Connie Hedegaard is Chair of the European Commission’s Mission Board on Adaptation to Climate Change, an element of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. She also serves as Chair of the OECD’s Round Table for Sustainable Development and as Chair of Aarhus University. From 2010-2014, Ms Hedegaard was European Commissioner for Climate Action. Previously, she was Minister for Environment and Minister for Climate and Energy, Denmark.

Alicia O’Sullivan is a law student and Quercus Scholar for Active Citizenship at University College Cork (UCC). Ms O’Sullivan represented UCC and World YMCA at COP26. Previously, she represented Ireland at the first UN Youth Climate Summit. Ms O’Sullivan has also served as an Ocean Ambassador for Ireland. She is currently the Environmental Officer at UCC Students’ Union. 

Dr Sinéad Walsh is the Climate Director at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Previously, Dr Walsh served as EU Ambassador to South Sudan. Prior to this, she was Irish Ambassador to Sierra Leone and Liberia. Dr Walsh is the co-author of the book ‘Getting to Zero’, which recounts her experience as a diplomat on the frontline of the Ebola crisis in West Africa.